2018 Ford F-150 4WD Lariat Sport, SuperCrew, 4WD, 3.5 EcoBoost, Special Edition Package
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YouTuber Ford Boss Me inspired me to make this video, as he theorized longer cranking times can mitigate (or totally prevent) the notorious 2nd gen 3.5L EcoBoost V6 startup rattle. I experimented with different cranking times consisting of approx. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 seconds, and 1, 2, and 3 cranking sessions. The truck is 100% stock and components (such as cam phasers, timing chains, etc.), have never been replaced.
Conclusion: In most cases, longer crank = less startup rattle. I've managed to completely eliminate the rattle by cranking for 6 continuous seconds (it can still be heard at 4 and 5 seconds, but briefer).
To perform this extended cranking, depress both the brake and gas pedal and push the start/stop button. The engine will continue to crank for as long as the gas pedal is held down. Upon releasing the gas, the engine will start normally. For vehicles without the keyless start, perform the same brake/gas pedal procedure but turn the key and hold it. Let off the gas and key, and the engine will start normally.
All of my sound recordings were recorded under the front wheel well outside the vehicle for the greatest accuracy, as the rattle is difficult to hear when inside the vehicle. All recordings were performed when the truck, a 2018 F-150 with 27,000 miles, was started with the engine cold, having sat for at least 12 hours or more.
These recordings were performed throughout the course of about 1 month, the vehicle being subjected to different driving conditions the day before or after recordings. Since ownership at 20,000 miles, the truck has made this rattle. Full synthetic 5W-30 oil (either Mobil1 or Penzoil) is used. Oil changes are performed at 5,000 miles. Besides this rattle, which is usually brief, the engine is very quiet and sounds healthy.
The truck assembly date is August 7, 2018. The date stamped into the engine block is July 19, 2018. The engine sticker date is August 3, 2018. Additional engine information (also seen in video): E1221, JS 364 AB 72, C11721620. These audio recordings were recorded on my Samsung Galaxy S8.
Conclusion: In most cases, longer crank = less startup rattle. I've managed to completely eliminate the rattle by cranking for 6 continuous seconds (it can still be heard at 4 and 5 seconds, but briefer).
To perform this extended cranking, depress both the brake and gas pedal and push the start/stop button. The engine will continue to crank for as long as the gas pedal is held down. Upon releasing the gas, the engine will start normally. For vehicles without the keyless start, perform the same brake/gas pedal procedure but turn the key and hold it. Let off the gas and key, and the engine will start normally.
All of my sound recordings were recorded under the front wheel well outside the vehicle for the greatest accuracy, as the rattle is difficult to hear when inside the vehicle. All recordings were performed when the truck, a 2018 F-150 with 27,000 miles, was started with the engine cold, having sat for at least 12 hours or more.
These recordings were performed throughout the course of about 1 month, the vehicle being subjected to different driving conditions the day before or after recordings. Since ownership at 20,000 miles, the truck has made this rattle. Full synthetic 5W-30 oil (either Mobil1 or Penzoil) is used. Oil changes are performed at 5,000 miles. Besides this rattle, which is usually brief, the engine is very quiet and sounds healthy.
The truck assembly date is August 7, 2018. The date stamped into the engine block is July 19, 2018. The engine sticker date is August 3, 2018. Additional engine information (also seen in video): E1221, JS 364 AB 72, C11721620. These audio recordings were recorded on my Samsung Galaxy S8.
